"I think he looked pretty good," head coach Mike Shanahan said, per Jason Reid of the Washington Post. "I haven't had a chance to look at [tape of] practice on the defensive side, but what I saw looked pretty good."

Haynesworth is still way behind in learning the team's new 3-4 defensive alignment under defensive coordinator Jim Haslett. In fact, he isn't even listed as the starting nose tackle; that job belongs to Ma'ake Kemoeatu. Haynesworth has chafed at the idea of playing on the nose, saying that he doesn't want to simply occupy blockers and not have a chance to rush the passer.

But it's believed the Redskins will eventually line Haynesworth up as their starting right defensive end.

Haynesworth isn't expected to play in Friday night's preseason opener against the Bills at FedEx Field.

"It all depends on how he looks in practice, what type of football shape he's in," Shanahan said. "It takes awhile. It's one of the reasons why you do have preseason games: to get back in football shape. To try and get acclimated to playing football again, football-related drills. Hopefully, he stays in good shape, there's no setbacks with his knee, and we'll see what he can do in preseason games as he gets in shape."

Shanahan said players are "very excited" about Haynesworth being back in the lineup. "I think they're excited to get Albert back. Hopefully, he can stay healthy and do everything he can do to help us win."